Happy New Year

Greetings, everyone, and Happy New Year! I hope that you’re positioning yourself for GREATER in this new year. I want to encourage you to experience the new; many of us will have to have a NEW MINDSET! Creating new goals, resolutions, eating or exercise plans are all great, but if our minds are not disciplined to follow through – we only let ourselves down.

Let 2025 be a year of intentional thinking and movement. Seek Holy Spirit for guidance, as our steps for this year have already been ordered. Don’t limit yourself; STRETCH to new possibilities. I believe in you, and I want you to believe in YOU too!

Love and Blessings,

Dr. Val

Overcoming Fear

People are afraid of many things, even me; I’m afraid of some dogs and bridges. A fear that I’ve overcome is a fear of being rejected. You may struggle with other things, but there are ways to overcome these feelings. 2 Timothy 1:7 reads, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. As easy as it is to read, we are often challenged with living it out.

Here is a segment of Spiritual Breakfast, where April Curry and I share about Overcoming Fear. Listen and be Empowered!

Are You Pouring Into Your Spouse

When my husband Benny and I did a vow exchange at our three-year mark, people poured sand into this vase and words of wisdom into our marriage. Today, at almost ten years together, I’ve noticed that the sand has settled. Like this container of sand, it’s important in your marriage to constantly be pouring into the vessel called “spouse.” I’m grateful for a husband who loves me and consistently desires to pour into me – my prayer is that I’m reciprocating in a way that pleases him and God.

Couples, are you pouring into your spouse today?

Let’s DIP

Let’s D.I.P.! Whenever I say that aloud, I smile and even chuckle as I see many images related to a dip. I want you to know that the D.I.P. strategies shared on these pages are life-changing strategies to align you with your Kingdom purpose.
If you’ve read any of my other books, you’ll know that I have been transparent about my journey, using it as a tool of empowerment and being successful. With this writing, I was amazed that in this phase of my journey, I discovered that there are yet more significant assignments waiting for me, and I had no choice but to prepare this tool to empower others.
This journey of discovering, defining, and developing your purpose is phase one of an ongoing life process that will be tweaked as the Holy Spirit continues to give you instructions and insight regarding His plan for your life. Stay engaged and open to receive, even on the most challenging days; it will work for your good.

Order your copy today!

https://a.co/d/fa3vLLJ

I’m Determined to RISE

According to Webster, determined is defined as “to resolve, reaching a decision, showing determination.”

That word is easy to comprehend but not so easy to put into action. What recent task did you want to accomplish but didn’t?

Was it because of a lack of motivation, support, energy, or something else? Whatever the reason, it’s time for us to become intentional according to God’s plan.

Let me share with you that determination is a process. I can admit that there have been several times that I pressed pause – tempted to stop, but God wouldn’t let me.

I know this is speaking to you. You’ve been asking yourself and God – why am I feeling this way, and can I do this? I promise you that determination can be the very tool that you need to get to your next place in God. It’s DETERMINATION Time, my Sister! Take the journey and RISE! If you desire assistance, we’ve created a workbook that will aid you by providing clarity and strategy. ISBN 979-8882964404

Take It Back

A few weeks ago, we hosted another “Shop Talk” – Real Men with Real Conversations session in Williamsburg, Virginia- a great success! During the session, I shared with the men a trauma I experienced at 12 that touched their hearts. One of them, Johnny Mallory, shared this writing with me a few days ago from what he felt.

I was taken advantage of at a young age. Let me be clear, I was raped when I was twelve. Thinking of that day, it feels like hell. The rapist never faced court, so he didn’t go to jail. Remind you all, I was just twelve! For years I blamed myself for the attack. Started dressing differently and didn’t know how to act; it’s a thin line between love and hate, and that was me internally. I just wished that I could go back to the normal me. Others whispering, and spreading lies, only fueled my pain. I was a little girl with the world to gain. A part of me was taken, and it took years for me to try to get it back. I walked around, embarrassed in my mind; when I was the victim, I didn’t commit the crime. Every time I would see him, I would hang my head down. He held that power for years over me. It could be in a store, driving by in traffic, or even at work. If only you knew that really hurt. It felt like I was being attacked each time all over. One day I decided that I had enough. I prayed to God like I always do, and I asked him to give me strength – I knew it was not my fault. At times I thought my life was heading to the dark, but God told me to lift my head up and to take it back. The next time I saw that person that attacked me, for the first time I didn’t put my head down. I didn’t cry or get embarrassed. I looked at him – I looked at him because God told me to. For the first time, I saw him put his head down. He knew that he didn’t have that control over me anymore. That is when my life started changing. That is when I knew that God gave me the strength to do something I didn’t think I could do. I took it back! If I can take it back, so can you. No matter what you are going through remember God will see you through it. Take it back! – Johnny Mallory

If you’ve been traumatized by anything in life, this writing is sent to encourage you to TAKE BACK YOUR voice, power and LIFE!

Obedience Pays

As a Counselor and Coach, there have been times that I wasn’t sure if I was making an impact in my community, but the last few weeks have proven me wrong. Nations of Coaches awarded me the 2023 Herman Robinson Character Coach Award for my excellent service. Along with serving the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Bluefield University, I also serve the baseball and women’s basketball teams at Bluefield State University. Did I mention that this is ALL Volunteer service?

Often, people share that they don’t understand how or why I give so much, and my response is always, “I must be obedient”. I want to encourage someone today who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, overlooked, or underpaid as a counselor but let me remind you that your obedience to your assignment will pay off! New doors and opportunities are on the horizon!

Clarity Restored

It’s a new day with new opportunities if we are willing to do NEW things. I realized today that much of what I did during the last quarter of 2022 had to do with manifesting the plan of those I work with, more than the original intent for my life. I’m not complaining about what I did; I just realize that my future and God’s purpose for my life are also important. Does this reality reveal some insecurities that have been hidden? Possibly! I’m a doer by nature, one who desires to aid and execute – but I hadn’t been weighing the cost.

Today, as I began my day, I clearly heard the words that I’ve given to others, “change your vantage point.” I have been looking at my journey from a level-lateral view, but the requirement for me is higher. I gave myself a pep talk, elevated my thinking, and decided that I could empower others with this truth. Family, elevate your thinking about your future by changing your vantage point. Know that you can still assist others, but consider making yourself a priority.

Moving forward, I’m doing things differently, and I pray that you’ve been empowered, received some clarity, and will follow suit!